Our aim is to raise as much money as possible in order to allow CC4G to provide their free afterschool clubs to a number of schools in the area, teaching girls about technology through projects based around topics like Fashion, Media and Sport, and to donate the remainder of the money raised to the charity the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people with autism and their families.

CC4G is a not-for profit organisation backed by eSkills UK, which aims to encourage more girls to consider careers in technology through the running of an after-school club designed by Aardman (the creators of Wallace & Gromit). So far over 130,000 girls have benefited from its fun and engaging approach, with 84% saying they’d consider further education or a career in technology as a result. In a world dominated by technology, we want to show our support to this initiative which is encouraging girls to open their minds to what technology can be used for, and let them see it doesn’t have to be a predominantly male environment.

The National Autistic Society Scotland provides information, support and pioneering services for people with autism and campaign for a better world for people with autism and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. The Society provides a wide range of services to help people with Autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible and relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism.

The fundraiser will be held in the newly refurbished Assembly Rooms, and will be one of the first events held in this venue following reopening during the Festival. Having recently undergone a £9.3m restoration to its Grade A-listed rooms, you’ll find huge chandeliers dating back to the 1800’s hanging from the gold-leafed ceilings, with everything painstakingly restored to its former glory. For almost 230 years, the Assembly Rooms has played host to hundreds of thousands of events, from royal banquets to talent contests, conferences to ceilidhs, and has also welcomed the authors Dickens, Scott and Thackeray for public readings. Originally used as a dinner and dance venue, the Assembly Rooms is the perfect place to hold our event, and as one of only two remaining Assembly Rooms in Britain, this is the perfect time to come and witness the grandeur of this beautifully refurbished building.

We will be inviting our valued customers, partners and friends to take tables at our Charity Dinner and Ceilidh, which will be a social highlight in the winter calendar. Not only will you be supporting two fantastic causes in the most talked about venue in Scotland this year, but will have the opportunity to meet with others in business in a relaxed, fun atmosphere at our after dinner ceilidh. The cost of tables is £1000 ex. VAT and each table will have 10 places. Included in this price is a drinks reception on arrival, 3 course dinner with wine including after dinner coffee and mints, ice breakers and presentations by CC4G, the National Autistic Society Scotland and Boroughmuir High School currently taking part in the CC4G course. Additionally, the hugely recommended band Callinish will end the night on a high in the ballroom with a traditional Scottish ceilidh for all.

CompanyNet and Microsoft both look forward to seeing you there on the night!